If you’re spending Christmas in the Smoky Mountains, you’re in luck!
In our very biased opinion, it’s one of the best places to be during the holidays.
There are millions of lights to see during Winterfest, and many of the local restaurants stay open (albeit on reduced holiday hours).
If you’re looking for places to eat on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, look no further. There are a number of local restaurants serving up delicious meals and Southern hospitality this holiday season.
We’ve compiled this handy-dandy list of restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville, Tenn., just for you.
Do you know of a local restaurant that should be added to this list? Please contact us or comment below.
Editor’s Note: Even though these locations are open, holiday hours may be in effect. Many of the following restaurants will be closing early during the holidays. We do our best to keep this article up to date. However, restaurants and attractions may change their plans at the last minute due to demand.
Read Also: 14 things to do for Winterfest Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg 2022
Area Deals and Discounts
Subscribe to our newsletter and we will instantly deliver the best area discounts to your inbox.
1. Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Applewood Farmhouse Grill (Sevierville)
The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Grill serve traditional Southern American comfort food. They are located at The Apple Barn.
At these locations, your delicious Southern meals come with a basket of apple fritters, apple butter and an apple julep.
Applewood Farmhouse will be closed on Christmas Eve but open on Christmas Day. Their sister restaurant, The Applewood Farmhouse Grill, will be open on Christmas Eve but closed on Christmas Day.
While they usually take reservations for Thanksgiving, we were told they would not be taking reservations for Christmas.
2. Bennett’s Bar-B-Que & Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
Bennett’s Bar-B-Que and Big Daddy’s Pizzeria each have stand-alone locations in Pigeon Forge as well as a joint location in Gatlinburg.
We contacted the Gatlinburg venue and were told that they would be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with limited hours.
They do not take reservations, but you can try to call ahead for seating.
3. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (Gatlinburg)
Calling all seafood lovers – Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is a chain restaurant located in downtown Gatlinburg.
They serve Southern-style seafood and cajun creole dishes. Bubba Gump Shrimp Company plans to be open in the Smokies on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with limited hours.
4. Calhoun’s
Both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg locations for this popular rib, steak and BBQ restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Hours vary slightly between the locations.
5. Cherokee Grill
Lovers of steaks, burgers and seafood rejoice – area favorite Cherokee Grill will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Smokies.
Hours may be limited.
6. Chesapeake’s Seafood (Gatlinburg)
This higher-end seafood restaurant is one of Gatlinburg’s finest downtown eateries.
Chesapeake’s will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Hours are limited and reservations are recommended.
7. Denny’s (Pigeon Forge)
A traditional American diner, Denny’s serves breakfast, burgers and other classic staples all day, every day. Denny’s will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
8. Downtown Flavortown (Pigeon Forge)
Downtown Flavortown is a new entertainment and restaurant venue in Pigeon Forge.
Flavortown will offer regular hours on Christmas Eve and plans to be open from 10 am to 6 pm on Christmas Day with a regular menu.
9. Fannie Farkle’s (Gatlinburg)
This downtown Gatlinburg gem is a local favorite. Fannie Farkle’s is one of the original area attractions and eateries having opened in 1981.
They are famous for their carnival-style atmosphere and “Ogle Dog Corndogs”. Fannie Farkle’s plans to be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Read Also: Fannie Farkle’s in Gatlinburg: The secret to a successful 40 years
10. IHOP (multiple locations)
The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is another popular breakfast chain with multiple locations across the country and in the Smokies.
Most of IHOP’s locations will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
11. Joe’s Crab Shack (Sevierville)
This is another good one for seafood lovers. Joe’s Crab Shack is a seafood restaurant chain located in Sevierville, TN. Joe’s Crab Shack is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Select locations may be offering special Christmas ham dinners and festive to-go meals.
12. J.T. Hannah’s (Pigeon Forge)
Serving traditional American food and steaks, J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen is located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
The restaurant will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but they will only be open from 3-9 pm on Christmas Day.
13. Loco Burro (Gatlinburg)
This popular Tex-Mex-style restaurant is popular for its prime location and rooftop patio in downtown Gatlinburg.
But be warned, in the colder months, the patio may be closed.
Loco Burro is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
14. No Way Jose’s (Gatlinburg)
A local chain, No Way Jose’s Cantina serves Tex-Mex-style cuisine. No Way Jose’s plans to be open this year on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
15. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen (Pigeon Forge)
This restaurant is arguably one of, if not the, most popular holiday spot for a late lunch or dinner. They serve Southern, farmhouse family style meals and sharable plates. They are conveniently located at The Island in Pigeon Forge.
On Christmas Eve, the location will be open from 8 am to 8 pm. On Christmas Day, the restaurant plans to be open from 2-8 pm.
They typically do not take reservations.
16. Smith & Son’s Corner Kitchen (Gatlinburg)
Located in downtown Gatlinburg, Smith & Son’s Corner Kitchen is known for its chicken wings, pulled pork, meatloaf and sandwiches.
Smith & Son’s plans to stay open during Christmas.
17. Smoky Mountain Brewery (multiple locations)
The Smoky Mountain Brewery has multiple locations in the Smokies. They offer American-style cuisine including burgers and pizza with a side of local craft brews and live music.
At the time of this writing, both their Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg locations plan to be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
18. Three Jimmy’s Good Time Eatery (Gatlinburg)
Three Jimmy’s is located near the Arts and Crafts Community in Gatlinburg and serves ribs, steaks, wings and other American classics.
They will be open on Christmas.
19. Waffle House (multiple locations)
And finally, we have the tried and true staple – Waffle House. When all else fails, Waffle House is open 365 days per year. Waffle House has multiple locations throughout the area.
And of course, they will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
20. See a dinner show
Did you know you can also see a dinner show at one of the local theaters on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Smokies?
Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Pirates Voyage and the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud offer shows on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
It’s one of the most fun things to do in the area and your kids are sure to enjoy the Christmas shows this time of year.
Did we leave anything off the list? Let us know in the comments below.
What about Holstons? Will they be open Christmas?
Hi Doris! Holstons is closed on Christmas Day and has limited hours Christmas Eve (11-6). Hope that helps!